Electric arming device



Dec. 29, 1959 w. H. FLr-:MING

ELECTRIC ARMING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 8, 1957 .mmm-EDI"n-lll lllllllllln lin! Dec. 29, 1959 w. H. FLEMING ELECTRIC ARMINCDEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov.A 8, 1957 74 Wal/eff Dec. 29, 1959 w.H. FLEMING 2,918,845

' ELECTRIC ARMING DEVICE Filed Nov. 8. 1957 I l5 sheets-sheet s UnitedlStates VPatent O ELECTRIC ARMIN G DEVICE Walter H. Fleming, LosAngeles, Calif., assignor to vMicroloc Corporation, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application November 8, 1957, Serial No. 695,447

16 Claims. (Cl. 89-1.5)

This invention relates to means for transmitting electric currentbetween two relatively moving devices. While the invention is broadlyapplicable for its basic purpose, it has special utility forelectricallyconnecting a military' device with a source of E.M.F. at asup-y port device for a brief time' period whenk the military device isbeing launched from the supportdevice. For example, the invention may beused to arm a bomb as the bomb makes its initial movement in beinglaunched from an aircraft. This particular practice of the invention hasbeen selected for the present disclosure and will provide adequateguidance for those skilled in the art who may have occasion to apply thesame principles to other particular purposes.

The selected embodiment of the invention is constructed specifically tomeet the following set of requirements: a low voltage circuit must beestablished between the bomb and a low voltage source on the airplanelprior to the launching period; the high voltage arming circuitcomponents on the bomb must be connected to the aircraft electricalground prior to the launching and until the bomb completes a smallpredetermined initial movement of sufficient extent to assure completeseparation of the bomb from the airplane; when this initial separationmovement is completed, the high voltage circuit components must beincorporated for a predetermined short period `of time in a high voltagearming circuit energized by a high voltage source on the aircraft. Theinvention has certain special features that increase its utility for itspurpose. One of these special features is the concept of employing aflexible circuit control means to connect the military device with lthe4support device, a substantial portionV of this ilexible means beingstowed on one of the two devices and this stowed portion being formedwith numerous bends to occupy a stowage space substantially shorter thanthe straight length of the stowedportion. The stowage space has a narrowexit for the .flexible control means to cause unbending of the flexiblemeans and progressive lengthwise travel of the flexible means throughthis exitrwhenY the military device is launched.

What may be termed a sensing station is provided at this exit for armingcircuit control in response to the passage of the flexible means throughthe exit, there being what may bertermed a control point on the exiblemeans which reaches the sensing station when the previously mentionedpredetermined initialA separation movement of the military device iscompleted. When this control point on the exible means reaches thesensing station in the launching of a bomb', the high voltage circuitcomponents on the bomb are automatically switched from being connectedto theaircraft electrical ground being energized by the high `voltagesource, and energizaticn by the high voltage source is maintained as theexible means continues its travel past the sensing station. The flexiblemeans incorporates a plurality of longitudinal conductors forvcompleting the required circuit and whenl the" relatively moving ICCbomb reaches the distance alforded by 'the length-o the exible means,the flexible means breaks' to sever all connections between, the bomband the'iaircraft.

To meet the above set of requirements, the exible control meansincorporates a low voltage conductor, a high voltage conductor and aground conductor. During the initial passage of the flexible means pastthe sensing station at the exit of the stowage space, the high voltageconductor of the flexible means isv connected to the aircraft electricalground.' When the previously mentioned control point on the flexiblemeans reaches the sensing station, the high voltage conductor of theiiexible means is automatically switched to the high voltage source. Itis apparent that this sequence of steps requires a change in thecharacter 'of the flexible means at the above mentioned control pointthereon;

In the preferred practice of the invention, brusltes or wipers areprovided at the sensing station'for Contact with Vthe conductors of thellexible meansandthe pattern of conducting and nonconducting material ofthe llexible means changes at the control point. Thus, a grounded wiperat the sensing station contactslconducting material onV the surface ofthe exible means to ground the bomb until the change in pattern `of thetraveling flexible means isolates the grounded wiper from the highvoltage conductor 'and a second ,wiper at the sensing station energizedbythel high vvoltage source makes contact with conducting material ontheilexible means to energize the arming circuit'. of the bomb. A specialadvantage of employing a flexible control means of nonconductingmaterial wit'i longitudinal conductors incorporated therein forcooperation with the stationary brushes is that the longitudinalconductors may extend along longitudinal grooves lin the nonconductingmaterial with the conductors `spaced inwardly from the periphery of the'flexible means. Thus, the longitudinal conductors are protected byadja: cent nonconducting shoulders and the flexible =means may strike ametal surface such as the surface lof the bomb without any possibilityof the recessed conductors' being short-circuited. j l v 'i Ina secondpractice of the invention, the change'` in configuration of the'iiexiblemeans at. its controly point is a change in cross-sectional dimension,of `the ilexible means. Suitable switch means positioned at thefsensingstation for arming the bomb makes yielding contact with the flexiblemeansA and is actuated mechanically. bythe change in cross-sectionalconfiguration of the-exible means. t

With further reference to the preferred practice 'of the invention,another special feature isthe employment of a exible means of thecharacter described which is l in the form of 'a ribbon. When such aribbon, is folded flat between parallel walls in the s towage spaceitrmay be rapidly withdrawn without any ktendency whatsover to twist. Sucha ribbon-like ilexible means maygn` corporate va plurality of ribbonlik:` conductorsposi-F tioned for cooperation with correspondingwipersat ,the

sensing station.

devices. Preferably, the support device,in this instance the aircraft,is provided with a cylindrical socket and'y ai;

cylindrically shaped stowage cartridge is retractably'inserted into thesocket. The socket may be advantageous?.

ly formed with a'bell mouth to facilitate insertio-nof Vthe stowagecartridge.

A first set of contacts in the socket abuts a second Ise-ti Y l of'contacts on the stowage cartridge when the cartridge.,

is fully seated inthe socket, Preferably, at least one of these setsof'eontacts'eomprises concentric circular. con- 1 tacts so. that the=cartridge may be -inserted at ,random 1,

l rotary positions lrelativeito the socket.. .It is contemplated l thatthestowed portion of the flexible means will bepmtectedfrom extraneouselectromagnetic radiations.` A

' "shieldy fori this purpose may beincorporated in the, construction .of`the cartridge but, preferably, is incorporated 1 1inthefconstructionofthesockeh. z f I f One `end of the. stowedexiblelmeans is `co-nnted to l the set of contacts'that is carried bythe stowage .cartridge l l arrdztlriezothery end of :thetlexiblemean'sis connected to.

' 1' 'the' military device. Preferably :this second. end of. the. 1

.1 exible, 'means is releasablyl connected Ito thel military:

. device so thatl the stowage cartridge may bereadily separated. fromboth'v .the military device .andl the support- Idevice.'Inithcjpreferred practicelof the invention, a1 plug:

. g .means at the .second end of theexible means .mates with l ,at.receptacle means'` on the 1innilitaiy device.. Thus, in

. mounting the :military device :in preparationi for launchy 1 ingr:itiis merelynecessary:toplugtherexibie means into ithe military deviceand toi insert the stowage cartridge. into the socket inthesupportLdevice. 1 i 1 1 1 1 cent the-modified flexibletiontl1e1'evvith;=.1 1. 11 .1

Figure: 16 isf `a View,v partlyin longitudinal section; and

il' Al further 'special feature of.1 the preferred practice of 1 y f theinvention lisf 'the provision of .a' manually -releasable 1 'latch toretain the stowage cartridge inthe socket.y Pref- Ierably; yasuitablespring means. is .provided in. the socket iscatediu the'socket. f 1 1 1operations..y u f 1An.irnportant advantage' of the 'use 'of a cartridge.for.

stowagezof theliiexible rnearlsisy thatv a' sealAmay-'be pro-i .f videdaroundthe ffleiribie means at the exit ofthe istowage:

i :space to make the interior1 of' the' cartridge. substantiallyyuidtight. Such 'an 'arrangement' provides full protection `for thecomponents inside the cartridge and is especially `desirable f or`protection against moisture and fungus in the tropics. u 1 The variousfeatures `and advantages of the inventioniwill be apparent from thefollowing detailed `description considered with the accompanyingdrawings. Infthe drawings which are to beregarded as merelyillustrativez, 1 t .1

` Figure `1 is a side elevational View of a bomb being carried by anaircraft with a selected embodiment of the` present invention linkingthe bomb with the aircraft;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment of theinvention employed in Figure l, the parts being shown `aspositioned-prior to launching of the bomb; 1

Figure 3 s a `transverse section taken as indicated by theline 3-3 ofFigure 2 showing the concentric set of contacts atthe inner end of thecartridge;

Figure 4` is a transverse section taken as indicated by.` the line .4 4.of `Figure 2 and showing the arrange mentiof'thes'et `of contacts onthe plug means that mates,

with receptacle means on the bomb;

Figure 5 is a transverse section, taken as indicated by the line 5-5 ofFigure 2, showing how the interior of the cartridge isV divided by wallsto provide a central longitudinal chamber for stowageof the flexiblemeans;

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the exiblemeans shown in Figure 2; o

Figure 7 is another side elevation of the exible means at`90 degreesfrom the side elevation in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an enlarged section through the flexible means taken asindicated by the line 8*-8 of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevational View as seen along the line 9 9 ofFigure 2, showing an ndiCiOr to I to expel the lcartridge'autoilna'ticallywheny .the cartridge is 'released =by the latch.'means. i Thev preferred practice isvgfurther characterizedby what may be,termed warning, 1 1 1 means to.' indicate1 when .the cartridge is notcompletely.1 30.1

" l One ,advantage of using 2a: stowage cartridge latched'againstwithdrawal =is thati the. cartridge may be,1salvaged 1 i .1

for reusegify desired; 1 'Another advantage is that 1a used 1cartridgernaybe .subsequently employed in .a socketr ,a :dummy tolprotect: the socket= between ,launching i .1

dit)

l Figure :l0 .is a. wiring ydiagram ponents employed in this firstlembodiment oli provide. warning?, wheni the cartridge1 s'inserted into.the

. .Figure 111 is' a fragmentary 'viewpartly ,in section and partly inside elevation `showing :the stage :in the launch- 1 ing operation' atwhich. the flexible means breaks from i i 1 its anchorage yin the:cartridge; -.1, .f

, ,Figure ;12,is 1a fragmentary side elevation of .autodi-k fied formof' flexible control means lthat lmaybe Substi-1 1 1r tuted for. theexible-means-used inFigures ,Ito 11; f

, Figures', 11,3 and 114i are crossi sections -of the modified 1yflexible means taken .as indicated by theilines 13e-13 and, 1 ,1

'I4-+1@ respectively;y of Figure l2.. and showing how .the

: .exposed conductors of, the. ilexible: means are positioned .1

' 1 in protective grooves formed 1in nonconductive material;

. 1 yFigure 'l5 is afragmentary longitudinalv section taken 1 as.indicated .byf .the line. 15-45 of Figure 1.3i showing the` pair 'ofV'brushes or wipers at lar sensing station indiaK means r:tor switching,coopera# ipartly in'. ,side .elevation,; showing. a' second embodiment-offtheinventiongandi-'.-'-`-=1.i1, 1 1 rFigure: 1;'7 isafragrnentaryviewof'the'lowcrf end of a cartridge, partly in' elevationandpartly-in'sectiomshow- 1 ing how the interior ofthecartriidge may behermetically .sealediidesired...v .1: w, 1

. Figure l shows an 'aircraftZO having a -bombirack 22 1, 1 f 1, 1With1afbomb24 mountedthereonina releasable mannen yIbytheusualshacldesgZS;; 'Aiming' mc'ans,l designatedv by l n letter A,constructed yin accord with the present invention l 1, i 1 1is= providedto .arm the bombafter the bomb is released bythe lshacklesZS., l 1 1 l.1 `,Aas ,shown in Figure@ and arming device A' are: lirst, that thehigh voltage arming circuit components of the bomb be connected to theaircraft electrical ground by the wire 26 until the moment the bomb isto be released;` second, that the highvoltage arming circuit componentscontinue to be connected to the aircraft electrical ground until thelaunched bomb moves a minimum of one half inch away from the pylon to`make sure that the bomb is not armed until it is completely disconnectedfrom `the aircraft; third, that after the initial bomb movement of onehalt` inch, the high voltage arming circuit of the bomb be energized bythe high voltage wire 30 for a requisite Short period of time; andfourth, that the low voltage wire 28 be in. communication with the lowvoltage arming circuit of the bomb prior to these various stages.

One embodiment of such an arming means to meet these requirements isillustrated in Figures 1 to 11 and a `second embodiment is illustratedbyFigure 16.

General arrangement and operation of the first 1 embodiment As `bestshown in Figure 2, the principal parts of `the first `embodiment of'theinvention include: a socket structure 35 incorporated in the pylon 22; amultipleconductor `cable 36 that includes the previouslymentioned wiresZ6, 2 8 and 30u; a `first set of contacts at thel tridge 45, including acentral `high 'voltage contact 46' indicated diagrammatically l l, v

1 in Figure l0, .the arming circuit on the -aircraftincludesz ai1vwirefl connected= to the 4aircraftelectrical ground; a. f

j wire ,28 .connected .to-alow .voltage source; andy av wire i y -30connected to .av high voltage. source. The 1 requirel ments for the;arming: operation to be performed: by :the 1 orfcooperation with thepreviously mentioned central high voltage contact 3S, a low voltage ringcontact 48 for Vcooperation with the pair of low voltage contacts 40 anda grounding ring contact 50 for cooperation with the pair of groundingcontacts 42; a multiple-conductor exible control means, generallydesignated by numeral 52, including a ground wire 26a connected to theground# ing ring contact 50, a low voltage wire 28a connected to the lowvoltage ring contact 48, and a flexible sheath 30a of conductingmaterial, inthis instance, line woven wire, the function of which is totransmit high voltage current to the bomb; a longitudinal chamber 58 inthe cartridge 45 serving as a stowage space for the iiexible controlmeans 52, with the flexible means stowed in a serpentine conguration asshown; an exit passage 60 from the stowage chamber 58 to the bottom endof the cartridge, the exit passage being only slightly larger in crosssection than the exible means to cause the flexible means to unbend; apair of wipers or brushes 62 and 64 on opposite sides of the exiblemeans 52 at what may be termed a sensing station in the exit passage; aground wire 26b connecting the wiper 62 with the grounding ring contact50; and a high voltage wire 30!) connecting the wiper 64 with the highvoltage contact 46.

The ilexible control means 52 is adapted at its lower end for connectionto the bomb and is provided with certain areas of insulating coatingon'its conducting sheath to cause the two wipers 62 and 64 to functionas switches for carrying out the desired predetermined sequence ofoperations. For this purpose a layer 70 of insulating material extendsalong the side of the conducting sheath 30a to electrically isolate thehigh voltage wiper 64. This layer 70 of insulating material terminatesat the point 72, this point being the previously mentioned control pointon the flexible means. This control point 72 reaches the pair of wipers62 and 64 when the initial one half inch of travel of the bomb iscompleted. Beyond the control point 72, a second layer 74 of insulatingmaterial extends on the other side of the exible means for electricallyisolating the grounding wiper 62 from the conducting sheath 30a. Thus,at the control point 72, the traveling conducting sheath 30a is switchedautomatically from connection to ground to connection with the highvoltage source.

The manner in which this lirstv embodiment of the invention functionsfor its purpose may best be understood by reference to the diagram inFigure 10. While the bomb is supported by the pylon 22, the high voltagecomponents of the arming circuit on the bomb are grounded, since thesecomponents are connected to the conducting sheath 30a, and the wiper 62is in contact with the conducting sheath for connection to groundthrough the wires 26h and 26. The low voltage components of the armingcircuit of the bomb are in communication with the low voltage source onthe aircraft through wires 28a and 28.

lWhen the bomb is released by the shackles 2-5 and travels one half inchVfrom the pylon, the grounding Wiper 62 remains in contact with theconducting sheath 30a to keep the high voltage arming circuit componentsof the bomb grounded. During this interval, the insulating layer 70keeps the high voltage wiper 64 from making contact with the conductingsheath 30a.

At the completion of the initial one half inch of bomb travel thecontrol point 72 of the flexible means 52 reaches the sensing stationrepresented by two wipers 62 and 64, whereupon the second insulatinglayer 74 on the conducting sheath 30a electrically isolates thegrounding contact 62 from the sheath and an instant later the highvoltage wiper 64 makes contact with the sheath to complete the highvoltage circuit to the bomb through wires 30b and 30 on one side ofthecircuit and through a grounding wire 26a on the othervside of thecircuit. 1`hishv high voltage circuit remains eliective until theexible' means 52I is pulled taut and the two wires 26a, 28a lat "theupper end of the exible means break away Structural details of the firstembodiment of the invention The socket structure 35 is in the form of ametal cylinder forming a cylindrical socket 75, the metal cylinderhaving an end wall 76 at its inner end. The outer end of the socketcylinder 35 is flared to form a bell mouth 73 and is further formed witha radial end flange 80 by means of which it is attached to the innerside of the bottom wall 82 of the pylon.

The previously mentioned iirst set of contacts comprising the contacts38, 40 and 42 are mounted on a disc 84 of no-nconducting material and,preferably, this disc is movable in the upper end of the socket 75 andis urged downward by suitable spring means thereby to exert downwardforce on the cartridge 45. For this purpose, a suitable coil spring 85is confined between the upper side of the disc 84 and the end wall 76 ofthe socket cylinder. The Wires of the cable 36 are bonded to the endwall 76, preferably in a sealed manner and are bowed between the endwall 76 and the disc 84 to follow the changes in position of the d-isc84. This arrangement provides dimensional tolerance in that the disc 84has a range of positions for mating with the concentric contact 46, 48and 5t).

The cartridge or casing 45 is of a cylindrical configuration to iitsnugly in the cylindrical socket 75. The cartridge may be made of anysuitable material, since the metal of the socket cylinder 35 serves asan effective shield to protect the components in the'cartridge fromextraneous electromagnetic radiations. The cartridge 45 is provided withan upper end wall 88` in which the the second set of contacts 46, 48 and5t) are embedded. The cartridge 45 has a bottom end wall 95 which has aninwardly extending axial tubular portion 92 that forms the previouslymentioned exit passage 60. The inner end of the tubular portion 92 isared as shown. g

The cartridge 45 may be secured in the socket 75 in any suitable manner,but preferably is retained by'a manually releasable latch. For thispurpose, the cartridge is restricted in diameter near its lower end toform a neck 94 that provides a downwardly directed annular shoulder 95for releasable engagement by a latch 96. The latch 96 may be in the formof a bowed leaf spring member that is attached to the socket cylinder`35 by suitable rivets 93. The latch 96 is formed with a hook portionlitt) to engage the annular shoulder 95 of the cartridge 45 andVterminates in an outwardly inclined handle portion N2. The hook portionextends through a slot 103 in the socket cylinder 35 and the handleportion extends through a slot 104 in the pylon bottom wall S2 and themounting flange 80 of the socket cylinder 35.

When the cartridge 45 is inserted 'into the socket 75, the bell mouth 7Sguides the cartridge into the socket and the cartridge moving againstthe inclined handle 102 of the latch 96 forces the latch to flex outwardto the position shown in broken lines 5 in Figure 2. When the cartridgeis fully seated in the socket 75 with the two sets of contacts in mutualabutment, the hook portion 16B@ of the latch automatically snaps intoposition in engagement with the shoulder 95 of the cartridge. Thetipportion 105 of the latch handle 102 is preferably painted red toserve as an indicator that is responsive to complete insertion of thecartridge 45 into the socket 7S. If the cartridge 45 is only partiallyinserted into the socket 75,`

in engagement with the cartridge shoulder 95 aS'shoWI'l" in solid linesin Figure 2, and the tip portion 105 of the latch handle is visiblebelow the pylon below the bottom of the bomb rack as shown in Figure 9.

1t is to be noted that when the cartridge 45 is in its completelyinserted position shown in Figure 2, the coiled spring 85 is insubstantial compression between the disc 84 and the inner end wall 76 ofthe socket cylinder 35. Consequently, when the handle 102 issubsequently manipulated to move the latch 96 to its release position,the coil spring 85 expands to expel the cartridge 45 from the socket 75.

The cylindrical cartridge 45 has two parallel interior longitudinalwalls 106, as best shown in Figure 5, which divide the interior of thecartridge into the previously mentioned longitudinal chamber 58 and twolongitudinal compartments 108 on opposite sides of the chamber. The twoparallel walls 106 are spaced apart only slightly more than the width ofthe flexible control means 52. It has been found that if the flexiblemeans 52 is of a ribbon-like configuration and is folded back on itselfin a serpentine manner as shown in Figures 2 and 5, and if theserpentine portion of the flexible member is confined between theparallel walls 106, there will be no tendency for the flexible means totwist as it unfolds and slips downward through the exit passage 60. Thetwo compartments 108 provide space for the two wires 26h and 30h so thatthese wires do not interfere with the flexible means 52.

Preferably, the lower end of the flexible control means 52 is adaptedfor manual attachment to the bomb 24. In the present embodiment of theinvention, the flexible control means 52 terminates at its lower end ina plug means 110 that is insertable into complementary receptacle meansin the bomb 24.

As indicated in Figure 1, the plug means 110 may comfprise a body ofnonconducting material, such as a suitable synthetic resin, with thelower end of the flexible means 52 embedded therein. The ground wire 26aof the flexible control means 52 has two branches 26a` that are embeddedin the plug means 110 and terminate at a pair of ground contacts 112 onthe lower face of the plug means. In like manner, the low voltage wire28a of the flexible control means '52 has a pair of branches 28h thatconnect with a pair of contacts 114 on the bottom face of the plug means110. The conducting sheath 30a of the ilexible control means 52 isconnected by an embedded wire 115 with a partially embedded metal pin116 which has a ball end.

The complementary receptacle means on the bomb 24 to receive the plugmeans 110 may be of the construction shown in Figure 2. The receptaclemeans includes a disc 120 of nonconducting material having a centralbore 122 to clear the plug pin 116 and having two embedded ring contacts124 and 125. The ring contact 124 is positioned to abut the pair ofground contacts 112 and the ring contact 125 is positioned to abut thepair of low voltage contacts 114. The two ring contacts 124 and 125 areconnected to the arming circuit of the bomb by suitable wires 126 and128 respectfully.

The receptacle means of the bomb 24 is also provided with additionalhigh voltage contact means for engagement with the ball end of the metalpin 116 and in this particular practice of the invention it iscontemplated that the engagement with the metal pin will be effective tocause the flexible control means 52 to break away from its anchorage atits upper end in the cartridge 45. As best shown in Figure 2, a contactmeans for this purpose may comprise a metal disc 130 which is connectedto the arming circuit of the bomb by a wire 132. The metal disc 130 hasa central aperture 134 which is ringed by inwardly directly flexibletongues 135. When the plug means 110 is inserted into the receptaclemeans of the bomb, the metal pin 116 enters the central aperture 134 andthe exible tongues 135 first ex to pass the ball end of the pin and thenreturn to their normal positions for engaging the ball end in the mannershown in Figure 2. 4It will be noted that the flexible tongues 135 areslightly bent downward to engage back of the ball end so that theiiexible tongues engage the pin 116 in a positive manner to affordrelatively high resistance to withdrawal of the plug means from thereceptacle means.

It is contemplated that the arming unit comprising the cartridge 45, theexible control means 52 and the plug means lltl'will constitute aseparate piece of equipment for installation only when a bomb is mountedon an aircraft for a military mission. This unit may be initiallyconnected either to the airplane or to the bomb. In one procedure, forexample, the unit is first mounted on the aircraft by inserting acartridge 45 into the socket 75 to cause the cartridge to beautomatically engaged by the latch 96. The bomb is then manuvered intoits shackled position in such manner as to cause the metal pin 116 ofthe'plug means 110 to make positive engagement with the flexible contacttongues 135 thereby to cause mating of the other contacts of the plugand receptacle. An alternate procedure may be followed in which the unitis first mounted on the bomb by forcing the plug means 11D intoengagement with the receptacle means of the bomb 24 and then manuveringthe bomb into its shackled position in such manner as to cause thecartridge 45 to be inserted into the socket 75. In either procedure careis taken to observe the red tip 105 of the latch handle 102 to make surethat the cartridge is fully seated with the two sets of contacts incooperating abutment at the inner end of the cartridge.

In the preferred practice of the invention, the latch 96 engages thecartridge 45 with sufficient effectiveness to cause the inner end of theflexible control means 52 to break away from the cartridge and leave thecartridge in the socket 75. Thus, the cartridge may be salvaged forreuse if desired and a used cartridge may be employed as a dummyinserted into the socket to protect the socket for future service.

Figures 12 to 15 illustrate a flexible control means 52a of ribbon-likeconfiguration that may be substituted for the above described flexiblecontrol means 52. The flexible control means 52a comprises a ribbon ofnonconducting material, preferably a suitable synthetic resin, in whichare embedded three small ribbon-like conductors, namely, a central highvoltage conductor 136 which corresponds in function to the conductingsheath 30a of the flexible means 52, a low voltage conductor 138corresponding to the previously mentioned low voltage wire 28a, and agrounding conductor 140 corresponding to the grounding wire 26a. Alongitudinal groove 142 of the same length as the previously mentionedinsulating layer 74 on the flexible means 52 is provided in the flexiblemeans 52a to expose a corresponding portion of the high voltageconductor 136. On the other side of the flexible means 52a, a secondsimilar longitudinal slot 144 (Figure 14) is provided to expose a lowerportion of the high voltage conductor 136 on the other side of theflexible means.

When the bomb is in its shackled position, the previously mentionedgrounding wiper 62 extends into the slot 144 into contact with the highvoltage conductor 136 `and at this time the high voltage wiper 64 iselectrically isolated from the high voltage conductor 136 as may be seenin Figure 15. When the control point of the longitudinally travelingflexible control means 52a reaches the two wipers 62 and 64, thegrounding wiper 62a is elec-` trically isolated from the high voltageconductor 136 and an instant later the high voltage wiper 64 enters thegroove 142 to make contact with the high voltage conductor. Thus, theflexible means 52a functions in the same manner as the previouslydescribed flexible means 52 and may be substituted for the flexiblemeans 52.

An important advantage of the flexible means 52a is that the highvoltage conductor 136 is spaced inwardly from the peripheral surface ofthe flexible means. With *9 'the'hgh'voltage vconductor 136 protected inthis manner, the flexible means 52a may flap against the metal surfaceof the bomb without any possibility of the high voltage conductor 136being shorted to the metal surface of the bomb.

The second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 16 and 17 Thesecond embodiment of the invention is largely similar to the rstdescribed embodiment as indicated by the use of corresponding numeralsto indicate corresponding parts. The cartridge 45a is of the samegeneral construction Ias the previously described cartridge 45 and isprovided at its upper end with the usual set of contacts comprising acentral high voltage contact 46a, an intermediate'low voltage contactring 48a and an outer grounding contact ring 50a.

Instead of the two previously described wipers 62 and 64, the sensingstation in the exit passage 60 is provided with a single wiper element145 which functions as a cam follower to respond to the changes incross-sectional conguration or dimension of a flexible control means52b. The wiper element 145 is mounted on a flexible switch arm 146 whichresiliently urges the wiper element against lthe peripheral surface ofthe flexible controlmeans 52b and this switch arm is connected to thepin 116a by a wire 147. When the portion of the exible control means 52badjacent the wiper element 145 is reduced in cross section, the switcharm 146 rests against a switch contact 148 ,which is connected to thegrounding ring contact 50a by a grounding wire 150. When a portion ofthe ilexible means 52b of largery cross-sectional dimension is oppositethe wiper element 145, the switch arm 146 rests against a second .highvoltage switch contact 152 which is connected to the high voltagecontact 46a by a high voltage wire 154.

The exible control means 52b has three longitudinal conductorsincorporated therein, namely: the previously mentioned high voltage wire147 that connects the flexible switch arm 146 with a high voltage pin116:1 of the plug means l10n; a low voltage conductor 156 that isconnected to the low voltage ring contact 48a and has two branches 156ato a pair of low voltage contacts 114a on the plug means 110:1; and athird grounding conductor 158 that is connected to the grounding ringcontact 50a and has vtwo branches 158a to a pair of grounding contacts112a on the plug means l10n.

The flexible control means 52b is stowed in the cartridge 45a in themanner heretofore described. A lower portion 160 of the flexible controlmeans 52b is relatively small in cross section and terminates at acontrol point 162 where the cross-sectional dimension of the flexiblemeans increases to what may be termed its full thickness. The remainingportion of the flexible control means 52b may be of this full thickness.

The manner in which this second embodiment of the invention operates maybe understood from the foregoing description. When the bomb is shackledto the pylon of the aircraft, the parts are in the position shown inFigure 16 with the wiper element 145 resting against the lower portion160 of reduced thickness of the flexible control means 52b. At thistime, the high voltage contact 116:1 of the plug means l10n is grounded,the path to ground including the wire 147 of the exible control means52b, the grounding switch contact 148, and the grounding wire 150 fromthe switch contact 148 to the grounding ring contact 50a.

When the released bomb completes its rst half inch of travel, thecontrol point 162 of the flexible control means 52b reaches the wiperelement 145 and the increased cross-sectional dimension of the flexiblecontrol means causes the switch arm 146 to swing away from the groundingswitch contact 148 to the high voltage switch contact 152. The highvoltage pin 116a'of the plug means 110a is then energized from the highvoltage source, the path of current ow including high voltage contact46a,

-high voltage wire 154, high voltage switch contact 152, switch arm 146,and wire 147 from the switch arm to the p The stowage cartridge may behermetically sealed, if desired. For this purpose, the flexible means 52in Figure 2 may be provided with a sealing O-ring 164 and the ilexiblemeans 52a in Figure 16 may be provided with a similar 0-ring 164e.Figure 17 shows how a cartridge 45b may be sealed instead by a suitableadhesive or sealant surrounding a exible control means 52b.

My description in specific detail of the selected embodiments of theinvention will suggest various changes, substitutions and otherdepartures from my disclosure with in the .spirit and scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Means for arming a device by means of an source as the device isseparated from a support means that temporarily supports the device andthen releases the device, said source being associated with the sup-Yport device, said arming means comprising: an elongated flexiblecontrol means having one end anchored to said device; means on saidsupport means providing a stowage space for a portion of the flexiblecontrol means, said stowage space having a restricted exit, the otherend of the control means being anchored in said stowage space, saidportion of the control means being of a length substantially greaterthan the length of the stowage space and having numerous bends to occupythe stowage space whereby withdrawal of said portion from the stowagespace through said restricted exit causes unbending of said portion ofthe control means and progressive lengthwise `passage of the exiblemeans through the exit when said device is separated from the supportmeans; a conductor carried by said flexible means longitudinallythereof; and means carried by said support means at a sensing station inthe region of said exit to connect said device to said source throughsaid conductor to complete a circuit in response to a predeterminedextent of initial passage of said portion of the control means throughsaid exit.

2. A combination as set forth in claim 1, in which said conductor of theflexible control means is exposed at the surface of the flexible meansand is electrically connected with said device; and which includes twowipers in the region of said exit, one of said wipers being grounded forinitial grounding of said conductor, the other wiper being connectedwith said source to energize said conductor at the end of said initialpassage of the flexible means.

3. A combination as set forth in claim 1, in which the cross-sectionaldimension of said flexible means changes at a predetermined controlpoint along its length; and in which said means at .the sensing stationmakes predetermined changes in said circuit means in response to saidchange in the cross-sectional dimension of the flexible means.

4. A combination as set forth in claim 3, in which said responsive meansat said sensing station is in yielding contact with the flexible meansfor mechanical actuation thereby in response to the cross-sectionalchange of the flexible means as the flexible means passes the sensingstation.

5. A combination as set forth in claim l, which ncludes a shield tosurround .the stowed portion of said exible means for protection of saidconductor against extraneous electromagnetic radiations.

6. A combination as set forth in claim l in which said exit isrestricted to substantially the thickness of said exible control means.

7. A combination as set forth in claim l in which said exible controlmeans is in the form of a ribbon and said exit is restricted tosubstantially the thickness of said ribbon with at least a portion ofsaid conductor exposed on one face of said ribbon.

8. A combination as set forth in claim 7 in which the portion of theribbon-shaped exible conductor means means through the exit;

10. A combination as set forth in claim 9-Which in# 1I that is! stowedin said stowage space yis ofserpentine configuration. f f f f' f f f f9. Means for arming a device by means of an'E.M.F.y f ysource associatedwith a supportk means` asy the ydevice is separated from ythefsupportmeans,y comprising: a iirst set of contacts on said support means; acasing remov-r ably mounted on said support rneansadjacent said first fset of contacts; a ysecond setk of contacts on said casing f yforycooperation ywith said first set, said two setsfincluding t cooperatingcontacts toy connect said source, with said device; an elongatedilexible controlfmeansvfor connection f at yone end rthereof with saiddevice, said flexible ymeans Vincorporating a plurality ofylongitudinalfconductorslcony nected with corresponding contacts of saidsecond =set,-

said flexible means being stowed in said casing` and have ing numerousbendsL therein to Loccupy ,a ystowage yspace ysubstantiallyshorter thana'straight length ofv the stowed portion of the flexible means, saidcasingfhaving `anar-r rowed exitfor said tlexible means to causeunbending yof f the exible means iand progressive lengthwise passage ofcircular contacts to `permit random circular positioning of the casingin the socket.y

- 12.- `A :combination as*r setforth inclaim 9 which im cludes a. socketon'said support means to yreceivefsaid cas-y f ing and in `which saidsocket is surrounded by .shield ymeansy to yprotect Said yconductorsfrom extraneous elec` tromagnetic radiations.

13. A combinationas'set forth in claim 9 which in- -cludes a ysockety onsaid support means to receive said casing and in which said socket ,hasra bell' 'mouth' t0 facilitate insertion of saidfcasing. f f f f f 14.yAy combinationy as set forth in claim 9 in which said support means hasa socketopening onto its exterior with i saidtrst set of contactsy inthe socket; and in which `said casingis insertable into said socket forretentiontherein.

15. A combination as setr forth iny claim '14, zin which ksaid socketand casing yare yof circulary cross section; and

ythe lexihle means through the `exit` when ythe ydevice, is t f bysaidcasingin vrthe iregionofsaidfexit yto connect said f device to saidsource throughsaid conductorsin responsek f to a predetermined extentofy initial passage of said exibl cludes latch means to releasablyyretain said casing and, in

which saidy latch meansr ,includesy warningmeans to indi-` cate when thecasing isincorrectly-mountediwith the:y

two sets yof contacts out ofy mutual abutment.,

, separatedfrom saidy support means; yand ,mcansfcarried t 1l. Acombination as set yforth vin claim 9 yiny which said casing iS ofycircular cross section; andin which yatk least one of said: setsfofcontacts comprises concentric infwhichfat least one of saidfsets ofcontacts comprises concentric circular contacts to permit yrandomvcircular v positioning of thefcasing 'in thesocket.y f f 16.r Akcombination as set forthin claim-14, which hcludes spring meansnsaidsocket to eject said'casingv therefrom; rand 'which' includesy armanually releasable latchrto retain the ycasingfin thesocket. r

y References Cited in the file of this 'patenty i v ,UNITED STATESPATENTS t

